Chance for Medical Aid: A Story of How Crocodile Assists Medics at the Frontline

“Before the war, I had a UAZ-type car that we completely overhauled. As a result, only the UAZ’s shell remained, while we transferred all the ‘guts’ from a Mercedes. You should have seen how other drivers on the road were astonished when this ‘UAZik’ easily reached high speeds,” recalls volunteer Artem Stohniy. “My friends took this car to the frontlines for the guys. Even the UAZ got a combat name – Crocodile. Overall, they say it’s an impressive ride. And indeed, it maneuvers everywhere, it’s swift, and it’s not an easy target for the enemy.”

Now, “Crocodile” is aiding medics on the Donetsk front. It has been refitted and equipped with medical stretchers and other gear from a Mercedes. “Today, Crocodile is saving wounded boys, and this is the most crucial thing for me. I hope it will continue to lend a hand until the end of the war, celebrate Victory, and embark on another new chapter,” says the volunteer.

“Crocodile” is not Artem’s sole contribution to the front. He has been volunteering since 2014, currently serving as the head of the Slots City Foundation. For a year now, cars, including ‘ambulances,’ equipment for surgeries, turnstiles, and medicines have been dispatched from the Foundation’s volunteers to the army.

“In general, supporting military medics and the wounded is a vital aspect of our Foundation’s mission,” says Artem. “We assist hospitals in saving soldiers, procure medications and medical supplies for the front, based on the requests of the fighters. Every month, we provide updates on the deliveries, including those for medics: in the spring, we provided an evacuation medical vehicle for a tank brigade of the Armed Forces, and in the fall, a Mitsubishi Pajero crossover for a medical unit. Additionally, we regularly purchase medical equipment like water guns for rinsing, and turnstiles.”

In total, the Foundation’s volunteers retrofitted three vehicles for medics and supplied the army with two fully-equipped resuscitation vehicles. Moreover, the Foundation’s associates acquired a machine for artificial lung ventilation, along with over 500 turnstiles, 500 sets of undergarments for the wounded, 50 first aid kits, and 100 occlusive dressings. They also furnished the hospital department that tends to injured fighters with essential medicines.